FC Barcelona remain limited in some of their positions despite the recruitment that took place over the summer. The Catalan giants want to maintain a squad that can continue to compete beyond just this season. A sustainable project is the goal for both Xavi Hernandez and the Barcelona board.
However, two key components of said project are currently on loan. Joao Felix from Atletico Madrid and Joao Cancelo from Manchester City are both at Barça only for this 2023/24 season contractually. Having previously agreed buy options for both, Barcelona ultimately had to remove them due to La Liga’s restrictions.
Laporta insists
Recently, Barcelona president Joan Laporta confirmed that he wanted to ensure the continuation of both Joaos beyond this season. According to Spanish outlet SPORT, Barcelona even has a price in mind that they would be willing to pay.
Barca’s offering
While Manchester City will likely value Cancelo at around €50 million, Barcelona are willing to offer less. As per SPORT, the Catalans are able to offer €25 million as a fixed amount with variables that can be added in.
Moreover, Barcelona are also hoping for an extended loan but Manchester City will likely only agree to that if a mandatory purchase option is included. Barça believes Jorge Mendes will be key in getting City to agree, as they already have Cancelo’s approval.
Player’s approval
The Portuguese fullback wants to part ways with the Citizens and commit to FC Barcelona. Furthermore, even the Manchester-based club is okay with him letting go. However, keeping in mind they asked for €70 million once Cancelo’s loan concluded at Bayern Munich, it is likely that the €50 million price tag will be applied by them.
Cancelo has found his place at Barcelona and continues to perform at the highest level. Xavi and the Barça board will want to have the right-back position locked down for the near future with Cancelo’s permanent signing.
Moreover, the current loanees such as Sergino Dest and Julian Araujo are both also capable right-backs if they return to Barça as backup.
